Mental Toughness in Youth Swimming: A Guide to Building Resilience and Confidence in the Pool
About this ebook
By Dr. David Hill, PhD, CPT, CES
Unlock the power of the mind to elevate performance and embrace challenges in swimming and beyond. Mental Toughness in Youth Swimming is a practical and inspiring guide for swimmers, coaches, and parents looking to develop the essential mental skills needed for success in the pool.
Combining the latest psychological research with real-life stories from Olympic champions like Michael Phelps, Simone Manuel, and Missy Franklin, this book explores how to:
Overcome setbacks and bounce back stronger.
Build unshakable confidence through visualization and positive self-talk.
Stay calm and focused under pressure with proven stress management techniques.
Cultivate a growth mindset to turn challenges into opportunities for improvement.
Written by Dr. David Hill, a seasoned swim coach and expert in sports leadership, this book offers actionable strategies for swimmers of all levels. It provides tools to integrate mental training into practice, guidance for coaches to foster team resilience, and tips for parents to support their swimmer’s mental and emotional growth.
Whether preparing for competition or developing life skills, Mental Toughness in Youth Swimming equips readers with the mindset to achieve their goals and thrive under any circumstance.
Perfect for swimmers, coaches, and parents who want to make mental toughness a competitive advantage.
About the author
Dr. David Hill is a highly accomplished swimming coach, educator, and entrepreneur with over 15 years of coaching experience and 4 years of teaching experience. As the founder of SwimGenius and SwimCoach Pro, innovative online coaching platforms and online app, including AP Dryland Training, a resource hub specializing in strength and conditioning techniques for swimmers, Dr. Hill has made a significant impact on the swimming community. He currently serves as the Vice President of Aquatics for NASS (Safesplash/SwimLabs), where he leads initiatives to elevate swimming programs, and continues to coach advanced private lessons and clinics.
Dr. Hill has held various coaching roles, including Head Coach for Summer Swim Teams, High School, and Club Teams. His dedication to excellence has earned him recognition as a 3-time All-Star Coach (2022-2024), 2023 Zones Coach, and 10&U Future Stars Camp Coach (2023) for Missouri Valley Swimming. Additionally, he had served as the League Coordinator and Championship Meet Director for multiple Summer Leagues, fostering opportunities for swimmers across Kansas City to compete and excel.
As a former educator, Dr. Hill has taught Physical Education and Health, using his teaching experience to enhance his coaching philosophy. Academic achievements include candidacy in EdD in Sports Leadership from Concordia University Chicago and a PhD in Kinesiology (Biomechanics) from Selinus University, pursued for personal enrichment and expertise. He also holds a Master’s in Sport Management and a Bachelor’s in Health and Physical Education from the University of Kansas. Complementing his academic background, Dr. Hill has earned numerous certifications, including Certified Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, USA Swimming Coach, and among others. With a passion for empowering swimmers and coaches alike, Dr. Hill is committed to fostering growth, innovation, and excellence in swimming. Through his extensive experience and platforms like SwimGenius, SwimCoach Pro and AP Dryland Training, he continues to inspire athletes and professionals to achieve their full potential in and out of the water with Elite Swim Training (EST) and more.
